Match Recaps

STATESBORO, Ga. – June 9, 2024 – In a hard-fought battle, South Georgia Tormenta FC fell to rival team Greenville Triumph with a 1-3 score in the fourth round of the USL Jägermeister Cup group stage on Sunday, June 9 at Tormenta Stadium. 

South Georgia has four matches at minimum left to play in the USL Jägermeister Cup in its inaugural season.

In the third minute of play, Tormenta FC’s Austin Wehner took the first shot of the night, sending the ball blasting from just outside of the box but was unable to convert the attempt. Greenville Triumph netted the first of the night off of a corner kick just moments later. 

Upon Greenville’s early scoring, South Georgia responded by making a series of defensive plays and clearances, attempting to push the ball up to create chances for attacking plays. This high-pressure attacking style proved fruitful for the Ibises.

Defender Preston Kilwien sent the ball flying down the center of the field, which after a series of short passes was soon collected by Wehner, who saw a second chance at finding the back of the net and slotted his second professional goal. This match marked Wehner’s first professional start of his career. 

With the score stagnant at 1-1 with more than half the game completed, the match intensified with multiple yellow cards shown to members of both teams. The first major scoring opportunity of the second half did not come until the 68th minute when South Georgia was awarded a free kick following a handball from Greenville, but ultimately Aaron Lombardi’s shot went just over the crossbar.

Greenville Triumph found its second and third goals of the evening less than ten minutes apart from each other in the 80th and 89th minutes. Had the match continued to remain at a draw, penalty kicks would have immediately followed the match, as dictated by the regulations of the USL Jägermeister Cup.

South Georgia Tormenta FC hits the pitch again Saturday, June 15 on the road against Forward Madison. The match will be streamed on ESPN2, marking the fourth league match in USL League One history to receive a national broadcast slot. 

Founded in 2015, South Georgia Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC is proud to compete in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W-League. The team is also proud to offer a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. South Georgia Tormenta FC rose victorious in 2022, becoming the USL League One Champions and the USL-W League champions.

For media inquiries or additional information please contact Caroline Boykin at (912) 667-9422 or email cboykin@tormentafc.com or Noah Schroyer at (770) 871-8654 or email nschroyer@tormentafc.com.

CHARLOTTE, Nc. – June 1, 2024 – In a nail-biting match, South Georgia Tormenta FC fought to a 1-1 draw against Charlotte Independence on the road on Saturday, June 1 at American Legion Memorial Stadium. A key goal in the last ten minutes of the match solidified the draw.

South Georgia opened the evening focused on dynamic plays and high pressure, attempting to push the ball to attacking players. During the earlier stages of the match, Tormenta pushed heavily on the right side, creating numerous opportunities, including back-to-back corner kicks taken by Conor Doyle in the 18th minute. 

Charlotte’s Juan Obregón Jr. opened the scoring in the 23rd minute of play, and in response, Tormenta’s Daniel Steedman and Nick Akoto both attempted shots on goal. Despite trailing by a single goal, South Georgia remained relentless in its search for an equalizing goal. 

The second half held the same fervor and caliber of plays as the first. Keeper Ford Parker aimed to minimize the lead held by Charlotte and made several key saves, including a diving save in the 66th minute.

Head Coach Ian Cameron sent in several substitutions during the second half, including Mason Tunbridge, Niall Watson, Jackson Khoury, Austin Wehner and Tavio D’Almeida. These substitutions would prove integral to the closing moments of the match.

South Georgia secured the equalizing goal in the 80th minute of play when Tunbridge sailed past a flurry of defenders and sent a shot from the center of the box into the bottom left corner of the net, with an assist from Callum Stretch. 

The match closed with the same intensity seen in the beginning as Charlotte saw multiple scoring opportunities that were swiftly dealt with by Tormenta’s backline. D’Almeida also attempted one last shot of the evening that flew just over the crossbar. 

South Georgia Tormenta FC hits the pitch at home Sunday, June 9 against rival team Greenville Triumph in the USL Jägermeister Cup.

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both iOS and Android.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com and 770-871-8654.

Highlights

STATESBORO, Ga. – May 25, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC was defeated by the Richmond Kickers in the third round of the USL Jägermeister Cup group stage with a 1-2 score on May 25 at Tormenta Stadium.

This match marked the second time South Georgia and Richmond have met on the pitch for the 2024 season. 

While the opening goal was scored by Richmond, Tormenta FC was unwavering in its determination to find the back of the net. In the 33rd minute of play, Mason Tunbridge fired a cross to Sebastian Vivas, who scored and temporarily equalized the match.

After Tormenta found the equalizing goal, the remainder of the first half was transitional in nature, as both teams vied for possession in search of the next goal. In the 61st minute, Richmond found its second goal of the night.

Head Coach Ian Cameron brought in a number of changes in the second half, introducing Joshua Ramos, Tavio D’Almeida, Niall Watson, Pedro Campos, and Pedro Fonseca to the pitch. Even in the closing moments of the match, South Georgia hunted to find an opportunity to level the match but were ultimately unable to do so.

Even as the Ibises trailed behind the Kickers, South Georgia showed resilience, demonstrating skillful attacking plays and a strong backline. Tormenta’s Callum Stretch and Preston Kilwien made a number of key clearances to thwart further scoring attempts from Richmond. 

South Georgia hits the pitch again in Charlotte, North Carolina as the team takes on Charlotte Independence on Saturday, June 1 at the American Legion Stadium. 

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both IOS and Android.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin cboykin@tormentafc.com or at 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com or 770-871-8654.

Highlights

STATESBORO, Ga. – May 18, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC secured a resounding victory over the Chattanooga Red Wolves with a 4-0 score Saturday, May 18 at Tormenta Stadium. South Georgia Tormenta FC has beaten Chattanooga in each home match played since 2019. 

Before the time clock struck the double digits, Tormenta FC secured the first goal of the match when Aaron Lombardi sent a goal-line pass to Sebastián Vivas, who then slotted a shot to the left side of Chattanooga’s keeper TJ Bush, a former Tormenta FC player. 

With a stint of challenging road matches, South Georgia entered the pitch with a fierce intensity, focusing on dynamic plays and attacking pressure. The 2023 USL League One Young Player of the Year Jackson Khoury made several pivotal plays, forging paths through Chattanooga’s defensive line to open up scoring opportunities for Tormenta. 

South Georgia’s defense also seamlessly worked in unison to assist keeper Ford Parker in maintaining the lead. The Ibises found many opportunities to intercept passes and ward off attacking plays. Parker, in his usual form, made many key saves throughout the night to preserve the clean sheet. 

In the second half, Tormenta FC found back-to-back goals in the 60th and 64th minutes of play. The first goal was found when Nick Akoto sent a cross to Ajmeer Spengler, who then blasted a shot sailing into the net. Then, Niall Watson claimed the third goal of the evening a mere 41 seconds after entering the pitch, finding a pass from Vivas and blasting it into the net.

The tenacity shown in the match from Tormenta was unwavering. The fourth goal of the night was found with ease when Vivas launched a right-footed shot between the posts following a pass from Spengler. 

This shut-out marks one of two home games for the Ibises in May. Tormenta’s next match is at 7:30 p.m. on May 25 at Tormenta Stadium, as the team takes on the Richmond Kickers in the USL Jägermeister Cup.

Watch match highlights

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both IOS and Android.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin cboykin@tormentafc.com or at 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com or 770-871-8654.

GREENVILLE, Sc. – May 11, 2024 – Despite a valiant effort, South Georgia Tormenta FC narrowly fell to rival Greenville Triumph with a 3-2 score at Paladin Stadium in the USL Jägermeister Cup. 

This match marked the second time this season South Georgia and Greenville have faced off on the pitch and the first time the two have competed against each other in the USL Jägermeister Cup. 

Each team came into the match following a defeat, meaning both teams sought to find the back of the net as often as possible. While Greenville found the opening goal of the match, Tormenta’s Mason Tunbridge took a long-range shot that landed between the posts to temporarily equalize the match just moments later. 

In the 40th minute, Ajmeer Spengler dribbled through a flurry of defenders and sent a cross over to Jackson Khoury, who skillfully sent the ball into the goal, giving Tormenta the lead heading into the second half. This goal marked the second goal scored by the Ibises in a five-minute timespan. 

The second half of the match did not have the same convergence of scoring opportunities found in the first half, but Greenville was awarded a penalty kick in the 67th minute, which was converted to give Tormenta’s opponents a second point. 

This rivalry brought out intense plays by both teams, as a total of six yellow cards were handed out during the match. 

In the 86th minute of play, Greenville scored the last goal of the evening. South Georgia Tormenta FC has six matches left in the USL Jägermeister Cup. 

This match ends Tormenta’s three consecutive away game stretch. The Ibises will play at home for their next match at 7:30 p.m. on May 18 at the beautiful Tormenta Stadium. 

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both IOS and Android.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin cboykin@tormentafc.com or at 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com or 770-871-8654.

CHARLESTON, Sc. – May 8, 2024 – In an intensely competitive matchup, South Georgia Tormenta FC narrowly fell to USL Championship side Charleston Battery during extra time with a 3-2 score in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. The match against Charleston Battery represents the second time in history that South Georgia has made it to the Round of 32 in the U.S. Open Cup. The game lasted an unprecedented 120 minutes. 

The match opened with each side vying to maintain possession with no major scoring opportunities arising until the 11th minute when South Georgia’s captain Conor Doyle attempted to find the first goal of the evening to no avail. After a series of long passes and defensive plays from South Georgia, Charleston found the opening goal in the 21st minute. 

Undeterred by the first goal, keeper Drew Romig made a pair of back-to-back diving saves in the 33rd and 34th minute. 

South Georgia found its first goal of the night when Ajmeer Spengler sent a through ball to Pedro Fonseca. Fonseca took the ball and blazed down the field to take on Charleston’s keeper one-on-one and sent a shot sailing into the center of the net. During stoppage time, Charleston sent a late shot into the net. 

The second half was a waiting game for the next goal. Several substitutions were made by coach Cameron, as Gabriel Rodriguez, Mason Tunbridge, Daniel Steedman, and Joshua Ramos entered the pitch midway through the second half, with Niall Watson and Austin Wehner entering later into the second half. 

Charleston Battery made several shots on goal in the second half, but these attempts were quickly thwarted by Romig, who aimed to keep Charleston’s lead minimal. Notably, Romig blocked a shot and a rebound attempt in the 82nd minute, keeping the score stagnant. 

One minute later, Watson crossed a ball to Rodriguez, who slotted the ball into the bottom left corner, sending the game into extra time. 

From there, the match was rife with strong defensive acts from both sides as both teams fought to find the closing goal. Ultimately, Charleston Battery found the closing goal in the final minute of extra time. 

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both IOS and Android.

-ENDS-

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin cboykin@tormentafc.com or at 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com or 770-871-8654.

OMAHA, Neb. – May 4, 2024 – Tormenta FC fell to Union Omaha in a hard-fought matchup with a 4-2 score. This game marked the first time South Georgia and Union Omaha have faced off on the pitch for the 2024 season.  

Defender Aaron Lombardi entered the match in the starting XI, following a month-long absence due to injury. Lombardi played all 90 minutes of the match and fought alongside keeper Ford Parker and defender Callum Stretch to maintain the back line. 

The match opened with rousing spirit, as midfielder Pedro Fonseca attempted to secure the first goal of the match during the fourth minute of play. In the sixth minute, Parker made his first save of the night, as Union Omaha’s Lagos Kunga attempted to find the back of the net. 

Moments later in the ninth minute, Omaha scored the game’s first goal as the ball slid just narrowly past Parker, who dove in a fervent attempt to block the shot. Moments later, following a corner kick, Omaha scored the second goal of the evening. 

After the initial stint of scoring, the game became transitional in nature, with both sides vying for possession and scoring opportunities. Just before the end of the first half, South Georgia Tormenta FC’s Sebastián Vivas sent a close-range header past Omaha’s keeper, following a corner kick taken by captain Conor Doyle, giving the Ibises their first goal of the night. Doyle is the former captain of Union Omaha. 

Union Omaha found a pair of later-in-the-game goals in the 70th and the 81st minute. During stoppage time following the 90th minute, South Georgia’s Pedro Fonseca converted a penalty kick, sending the ball sailing into the net to bolster the Ibises’ score. This goal marked the last of the evening. 

Tune in here to watch South Georgia take on USL Championship side Charleston Battery at 7:00 p.m. May 8 on the road in the 109th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both iOS and Android.

STATESBORO, Ga. – April 27, 2024 – In a nail-biting match, South Georgia Tormenta FC narrowly fell to Charlotte Independence during penalty kicks, following a 1-1 draw in the inaugural USL Jägermeister Cup match. 

South Georgia found a late-in-the-game goal during added time to tie the match and catapult the players into penalty kicks when Sebastián Vivas sent a header sailing into the net following a corner kick by Mason Tunbridge. Tie breaking penalty kicks is a feature of the USL Jägermeister Cup to incentivize attacking plays and goal-scoring strategy. 

The debut of the USL Jägermeister Cup this season marks a pivotal moment in American soccer, as regional rivalries take center stage in a series of cup matches designed to promote aggressive play and introduce nontraditional modifications to determine winners. 

The match began with vigor, as both teams were intent on finding possession and exerting high levels of pressure. In the first minute of play, South Georgia’s Conor Doyle attempted to find the back of the net against Charlotte’s goalkeeper Austin Pack but was unable to convert the attempt. 

In the eighth minute of play, Charlotte Independence’s Juan Carlos Obregón Jr. found the first goal of the night, sending a header into the back of the net. 

Charlotte Independence’s midfield posed a significant challenge to the Ibises. South Georgia looked to its defense to send long passes through the midfield to press higher toward Charlotte’s goal. 

Following a stint of skillful passes and attempts on goal without conversion, Tormenta FC was able to find its equalizing goal to spur the match into penalty kicks. 

South Georgia’s Pedro Fonseca was the first to take a penalty kick, slotting it into the left side of the goal. Ajmeer Spengler, Niall Watson, Mason Tunbridge, and Josh Ramos followed. 

Tormenta’s last shot of the night was saved by Charlotte’s keeper, giving Charlotte a narrow extra point in the standings for the USL Jägermeister Cup. Should either team emerge victorious outright, the team would receive three points in the standings. Following this match, Charlotte Independence received two points and South Georgia received one. 

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both iOS and Android.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com and 770-871-8654.

STATESBORO, Ga. – April 21, 2024 – After a hard-fought battle on the pitch, South Georgia Tormenta FC fell to rival team Greenville Triumph SC with a 0-3 score in the first leg of the annual Peach States Derby. Greenville Triumph presently sits at the top of the USL League One standings for the 2024 season. 

In 2023, rival teams South Georgia Tormenta FC and Greenville Triumph SC brought to life the Peach States Derby. These two founding members of USL League One vie to win the most regular season matches against each other, and the victor claims the Peach States Derby trophy for that year.

Greenville Triumph opened the match with intense pressure, hoping to find a scoring opportunity following a series of corner kicks to no avail. The Ibises weathered these attacks and pressed on in hopes of finding a goal. Tormenta FC defenders Jake Dengler and Preston Kilwien, alongside keeper Ford Parker, made a series of plays to ward off dangerous attacks.

In the 33rd minute of play, Greenville Triumph found the first goal of the night. Following a series of defensive plays and a struggle to regain possession, a close range shot was slotted to the center of the net. The Ibises met the early lead taken by Greenville with resilience and fought to find a scoring opportunity. Pedro Fonseca made multiple scoring attempts in the later moments of the first half but could not convert the attempts.

The second half of the match was transitional in nature, as both teams fought to maintain possession. After multiple skillful saves from Parker, Greenville broke through and found the second goal of the night in the 80th minute of play.

The match was fraught with intense plays and powerful duels. A total of six yellow cards were handed out during the match with three going to South Georgia and three for Greenville. 

Greenville Triumph found its final goal of the night in the 85th minute of the match. The goal was not earned without a fight, as Conor Doyle made significant attempts to block the goal scorer’s advancements. 

The friendly, but competitive nature of the rivalry invigorates fans and players alike to fight for their respective teams. South Georgia was the inaugural winner of the Peach States Derby trophy and hopes to secure another win for the 2024 season. 

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina. 

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both iOS and Android.

For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com and 770-871-8654.

MIAMI – April 17, 2024 – South Georgia Tormenta FC clinched victory against USL Championship side Miami FC in a thrilling matchup with a 2-4 score, securing the team’s spot in the fourth round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Tormenta scored two late-in-the-game goals to advance to the next round. 

With a fourth-round Open Cup draw on the line, South Georgia entered the match at Florida International University Soccer Stadium with a fierce energy. Tormenta FC may go on to face an MLS club, which has only occurred twice in club history. 

Goal scoring opened in the 12th minute when Tormenta’s defender Jake Dengler sent a header from the center of the box into the back of the net. The shot represented many firsts of the evening. 

Dengler’s goal marked the first goal scored across the United States in the Open Cup on Wednesday evening. The goal also signified Dengler’s first goal of the 2024 season. Callum Stretch, of South Georgia, also netted his first professional goal in the 88th minute. 

In the 20th minute of play, Miami FC found its first goal of the night. Keeper Drew Romig made several notable saves throughout the night, including a shot in the 33rd minute, as Romig made a skillful high jump to save a headed shot sent from the center of the box. 

Both teams played with fervor throughout the night. Just after a corner kick from South Georgia, Miami FC keeper Khadim Ndiaye was shown a red card for a high boot to Tormenta’s Gabriel Rodriguez. A total of six yellow cards were handed out during the first half between the two teams. 

Just prior to halftime, Miami FC found its second, and final, goal of the game, breaking the tie that endured for much of the first half.

In the 69th minute, captain of South Georgia Tormenta FC Conor Doyle found the equalizer that the Ibises had been searching for with an assist by Ajmeer Spengler. 

In the final moments of the game, Stretch found his goal, heading a shot into the net, giving Tormenta FC the edge the team fought for in the second half. Just two moments later, during added time, Sebastián Vivas found a close-range goal assisted by Pedro Fonseca, catapulting the team into the next round of the 109th edition of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. 

The fourth round drawing will occur Thursday, April 18 at 1:00 p.m. Fans should look out for updates here regarding fourth-round drawings. 

Founded in 2015, Tormenta FC is a professional soccer club based in Statesboro, Georgia. Tormenta FC competes in the professional USL League One and the pre-professional USL W League, under the United Soccer League (USL), and has also established a thriving academy system throughout South Georgia and the Lowcountry of South Carolina.

Follow the club through Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and the Tormenta FC app available on both iOS and Android.For media inquiries, please contact Caroline Boykin at cboykin@tormentafc.com and 912-667-9422 or Noah Schroyer at nschroyer@tormentafc.com and 770-871-8654.